Technology in the Synagogue: A Tale of Two Temples

This week we're highlighting how two synagogues are making use of technology, one in its sanctuary and the other in bringing services to the homebound.  Is your congregation making use of technology?  We'd love to hear how you're using it.

Seeing is Believing: Visual T’filot and the Future of Jewish Worship

By Rabbi Lance J. Sussman, Ph.D. for eJewishPhilanthropy

Three years ago, my synagogue agreed to install large retractable screens on either side of the Ark and mounted projectors on the back wall of our 900 seat sanctuary. With almost no resistance, we quickly transitioned from late 15th century technology to early 21th century modalities of communicating.

It was a relatively easy process. In addition to her musical talents, our Cantor discovered she had an inherent talent for developing liturgical power point. What size font, which colors, Hebrew versus transliteration, translation versus epitomes of the text, iconic images versus new art and still life versus video instantly presented themselves as questions we needed to address. One by one, we worked our way through the various technological and philosophical issues.

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 Shattering The Isolation of Homebound Jews

Rabbi Dina Rosenberg, Special To The Jewish Week

 Every individual has the right to access and express his or her Judaism in a personal and meaningful way. This is an expansive and inclusive vision, but mere platitude unless we move to make it reality.

Recently, Bay Ridge Jewish Center (BRJC) took a step forward not only for our synagogue, but for congregations everywhere that want to live the value of inclusivity, community growth and engagement.

Golda Seifer, a 101-year-old member of our synagogue, has been unable to attend services for many years. She is a sharp woman who is still fairly independent but is no longer able to leave her home.

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